Albuquerque with Kids: 5 Fun Options for Families

With weekends warming up and summer right around the corner, it's a great time to get out and about with your kids. Luckily, here in Albuquerque, we have lots of great options for affordable, family fun.

2. Discover 400+ year-old petroglyphs

Albuquerque is home to one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, Petroglyph National Monument. Take your kids out to explore the symbols carved onto volcanic rock between 400-700 years ago by Native Americans and Spanish settlers. There are over 20,000 petroglyph images to explore, so you can make return trips and always discover something new. The park is free minus a nominal fee to park your car ($2 or less).

Learn more about Native American history at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. In addition to a museum that showcases the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico, there are dances every weekend and many activities for families throughout the year.

4. Get some exercise

With 310+ days of sunshine each year, it's possible to be active outdoors in Albuquerque almost every day. Many locals don't even realize that rafting companies like Quiet Waters Paddling Company offer guided canoe and kayak trips down the Rio Grande (which is a Level I river here in Albuquerque) with absolutely stunning views of the cottonwood trees and Sandias. If watersports aren't your thing, take a ride down the Paseo del Bosque bike trail or take a trail ride at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa's stables located just outside of Albuquerque.

5. Enjoy an aerial view

Still the longest aerial tramway in North America, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway whisks visitors up from the base of the tram to Sandia Peak in about 15 minutes. By the time you ascend the 2.7 miles to the top of the peak, you'll be at an elevation 10,378 feet, giving you an 11,000 square-mile panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. Your kids will love the views outside of the tram car, and the two sways felt as the car passes over the two towers that support the cables. Don't forget your camera for this one - views are stunning all the way up.

There are lots more options for family-fun here in Albuquerque, what are your favorites? Tell us in the comments below. More resources for Family Fun:

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Author: Kelly

Kelly enjoys hiking in the Sandias, admiring the Albuquerque sunset from a rooftop patio and being a foster mom for dogs at a local animal shelter. She is a Wisconsin native and a fan of craft beer and crossword puzzles. She recently relocated from Albuquerque to Georgia.

Kelly was the Social Communications & ABQ365 Manager for Visit Albuquerque until December 2014. The opinions shared on this blog are her own.